They were among the best-known TV news presenters and have now retired: RTL veterans Peter Kloeppel and Ulrike von der Groeben.
With emotional moments, the RTL news duo Peter Kloeppel (65) and Ulrike von der Groeben (67) said goodbye to the evening news “RTL Aktuell” after 32 years of presenting together. But the show, which started as usual at 6:45 p.m., was not the end of it.
The Cologne-based private broadcaster then freed up another slot in its main program – around half an hour – to say goodbye to the journalists. RTL people expert and journalist Frauke Ludowig came into the studio and asked the question of all questions: is there love between the two in real life? No – they assured, just a mutual love for their work.
The actual news broadcast was watched by 2.74 million people on linear television, which corresponded to a viewing rate of 18.9 percent from 6.45 p.m. The subsequent program “RTL Aktuell Spezial: Farewell” was watched by an average of 2.56 million (a market share of 16.0 percent from 7.05 p.m.).
Günther Jauch offered to say goodbye by addressing everyone as “Du”
Companions, colleagues, politicians, stars and celebrities were recorded to offer their congratulations and words of praise. Even Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was among them. Presenter Günther Jauch – also an RTL face with his show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” – offered to address the two of them as “Du”.
The two also received a certificate: They made it into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-serving news duo. Afterwards, family members and work colleagues welcomed the two with great and long applause and piano music. There was a serenade.
Kloeppel and von der Groeben – he wants to go on holiday now and she wants to enjoy her free time – are an integral part of German TV. They were there in the 90s, the 2000s, the 2010s and up until today. In other words, back in the days when people still smoked at work, as recordings of von der Groeben showed.
Kloeppel became the ultimate anchorman. RTL – private television was still young – tried out new things. Relaxed moderation, accessible topics, new broadcast elements. Kloeppel is an award-winning presenter and was also present at the Chancellor candidate debates.
Many, many, many, many feelings to say goodbye
It quickly became apparent that the final presentation could be emotional. Kloeppel asked his colleague whether it was a good or a bad day. Von der Groeben summed it up like this: “I’d say it’s a draw. Lots and lots and lots and lots of emotions going on with both of us today.” Kloeppel said: “But we’ll get through this, I know it.”
At the end of the broadcast, the news duo bowed to the viewers, to whom they also addressed their final words. Von der Groeben said: “It was an honor, an obligation and always a pleasure for us to be there for you and to inform you.” Kloeppel added: “Without you, none of this would be possible. That is why we bow to you in gratitude.”
It was announced months ago that the two journalists were quitting. This is what the successors look like, which RTL had already named some time ago: the news anchors of “RTL Aktuell” will be the journalist Roberta Bieling and the journalist Christopher Wittich. Anna Fleischhauer (36) and Andreas von Thien (57) will be in charge of the sports department. The private broadcaster RTL is therefore filling the positions from within the company and is not bringing in any external people.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
